Smithsonian chief to retire in 2014 after 6 years

September 18, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Smithsonian Institution says he will retire next year from leading the world’s largest museum and research complex.

Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough said Wednesday that he will retire in October 2014, after more than six years in the post. Clough came to the Smithsonian in 2008 after serving as president of the Georgia Institute of Technology for 14 years.

Clough says he wanted to announce his plans now so that an orderly transition can begin. On Sept. 11, Clough notified Chief Justice John Roberts, the chancellor of the Smithsonian, of his intentions.

The Smithsonian Board of Regents will form a committee to conduct an international search for a new secretary. Regent John McCarter Jr., the former president of the Field Museum in Chicago, will chair the committee.